Explanation
BACKGROUND: Columbus Public Health (CPH) has a need to contract for video interpretation services for their clients with limited or no English proficiency. The purpose of this legislation is to authorize the Board of Health to enter into a $70,000.00 contract with Sign Language USA Inc., for video interpretation services for the period of May 1, 2023 to March 31, 2024, with an option to renew for four additional one-year periods ending March 31, 2028.
A Request for Proposal (RFP), RFQ024195 “Video Interpretation Services”, was publicly posted to City of Columbus Vendor Services and Bonfire websites from March 3, 2023 until March 27, 2023. 62 vendors registered with the City of Columbus were notified of the RFP. A total of 5 vendors submitted responses to the RFP through Bonfire. The CPH evaluation committee, utilizing established scoring criteria, unanimously recommended awarding the contract to Sign Language USA, Inc.
The contract compliance number for Sign Language USA Inc., is CC-024678 and expires 1/17/25. This ordinance is submitted as an emergency in order to avoid a break in the delivery of these essential services as they are transitioned from the previous vendor to Sign Language USA and to adhere to the contract start date of May 1, 2023. Any delays could be detrimental to the health and safety of clientele served by Columbus Public Health.
FISCAL IMPACT: Expenditures to provide these services are budgeted in the 2023 Health Special Revenue Fund, Fund No. 2250. ($70,000.00)
Title
To authorize the Board of Health to enter into a contract with Sign Language USA, Inc., for video interpretation services; to authorize a total expenditure of $70,000.00 from the Health Special Revenue Fund for said contract; and to declare an emergency. ($70,000.00)
Body
WHEREAS, the Board of Health has a need for video interpretation services at the Columbus Public Health Department located at 240 Parsons Avenue; and
WHEREAS, a Request for Proposal (RFP), RFQ024195 “Video Interpretation Services”, was publicly posted to City of Columbus Vendor Services and Bonfire websites from March 3, 2023 until March 27, 2023, and an evaluation committee unanimously recommended awarding the contract to Sign Language USA, Inc.; and
WHEREAS, the Board of Health desires to enter into a contract with Sign Language USA, Inc., for an amount not to exceed $70,000.00, to provide needed video interpretation services to the clients served at Columbus Public Health for the period of May 1, 2023 to March 31, 2024, with an option to renew for four additional one-year periods ending March 31, 2028; and
WHEREAS, an emergency exists in the usual, daily operations of the Department of Public Health in that it is immediately necessary to authorize the Board of Health to enter into a contract for video interpretation services with Sign Language USA, Inc., to avoid a break in the delivery of these essential services as they are transitioned from the previous vendor to Sign Language USA in adherence with the contract start date of May 1, 2024, and for the immediate preservation of the public peace, property, health, safety and welfare, NOW, THEREFORE,
BE IT ORDAINED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF COLUMBUS:
SECTION 1. That the Board of Health is hereby authorized to enter into a contract with Sign Language USA, Inc., for an amount not to exceed $70,000.00, to provide video interpretation services to the clients served at Columbus Public Health for the period of May 1, 2023 to March 31, 2024, with an option to renew for four additional one-year periods ending March 31, 2028
SECTION 2. That the expenditure of $70,000.00 is hereby authorized from the Health Special Revenue Fund, Fund No. 2250, Department of Health, Division No. 5001, in object class 03 - Services, per the accounting codes in the attachment to this ordinance.
SECTION 3. That the funds necessary to carry out the purpose of this ordinance are hereby deemed appropriated, and the City Auditor shall establish such accounting codes as necessary.
SECTION 4. That the City Auditor is authorized to make any accounting changes to revise the funding source for all contracts or contract modifications associated with this ordinance and to make any accounting changes necessary to ensure that this contract is properly accounted for and recorded accurately on the City's financial records.
SECTION 5. That for reasons stated in the preamble hereto, which is hereby made a part thereof, this ordinance is hereby declared to be an emergency measure and shall take effect and be in force from and after its passage and approval by the Mayor, or ten days after passage if the Mayor neither approves nor vetoes the same.